Stropping for a newbie

[Cynic2701]

Alright, let me start off with this:

I can get knives quite sharp. Cutting through paper I can get those corkscrew-like pieces. I generally use a Sharpmaker.

My question is, how much will stropping improve the edge? As well, how would I go about getting the materials needed to strop? For that matter, how does one strop?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nokia]

I think the best answer to this question is Google, or go try the Maintenance forums.

http://www.leatherstropcompound.com/main.sc

 

[Cynic2701]

Thanks for the link nokia.

Though maybe I should rephrase my question: if I can already get a knife shaving sharp without stropping, what would stropping do to improve the edge?

 

[CaptInsano]

Shaving sharp is only scratching the surface of sharpness.

 

[rwasham]

Stropping knocks off the burs that collect when you sharpen your knife this just ensures that it stays sharp for longer.